Galway wing forward Iarla Tannian gets the better of Benny Dunne of Tipperary in Pearse Stadium

Galway got their Allianz national hurling league ambitions back on track with a wonderful display of forward shooting as they defeated their great rival Tipperary by 4 points in Pearse Stadium on Sunday march 25th. Ger Loughnane made many changes to the side from the previous game against Dublin with Minor star James Skehill making his debut in goals. Derek Hardiman got his first start at Full back and it was also notable to see Damien Hayes start at midfield for the first time. Tipperary made the better start and lead by 1-5 to 0-4 point lead early on before the Galway forwards took over with some brilliant points scored from Eugene Cloonan who finished with 10 points and Mark Kerins with 4 points in the first half, who was lording it at centre half forward. Galway lead by one at the break 0-12 to 1-08. Galway took complete control in the early stages of the second half and lead by 6 points after 54 minutes. Tipperary introduced the ill Eoin Kelly at this stage and he responded with a wonderful goal and this was quickly followed by another from brother Paul, who was scoring his second of the day to put just one point between them. Galway finished the stronger to run out winners by four points. Galway now play Kilkenny for a place in the League semi-final at stake on Nowlan Park, next Sunday.


Galway Lineout: James Skehill Cappatagle, Fergal Moore Turloughmore, Derek Hardiman Mullagh, David Collins Liam Mellows, Shane Kavanagh Kinvara, John Lee Liam Mellows, David Forde Clarenbridge, Damien Hayes Portumna, Alan Kerins Clarenbridge, Richie Murray St Thomas, Mark Kerins Clarenbridge, Iarla Tannian Ardrahan, Niall Healy Craughwell, Eugene Cloonan Athenry, Kevin Broderick Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry.
Subs used: Fergal Healy Craughwell, Damien Joyce Cappatagle, Ger Mahon Kinvara.